In March 2025, the American Petroleum Institute (API) and ILSAC introduced two new global oil standards , which set stricter performance requirements for spark-ignited internal combustion engines: API SQ service category and ILSAC GF-7 (GF-7A / GF-7B) specifications.
These new standards respond directly to the ongoing transformation of vehicle technology, from downsized turbo engines and hybrid powertrains to stricter emissions regulations. They raise the bar for performance testing in key areas such as engine cleanliness, wear protection, and fuel efficiency, ensuring that workshops can offer oils fully aligned with the latest OEM and environmental demands.
For professional workshops, this means servicing next-generation vehicles with confidence, using lubricants engineered for cleaner, more efficient, and longer-lasting engine performance.
Engineered for Next-gen Engines
Just one month after the new standards were launched, Wolf Lubricants became one of the first to secure official API SQ and, when applicable, ILSAC GF-7A/B certifications with two of our premium engine oils:
Today, we’ve extended our OFFICIALTECH range with additional engine oils, compliant with the new standards, while maintaining backwards compatibility with ILSAC GF-6 and API SP.
API SQ and ILSAC GF-7: What’s changing?
Both standards, developed through collaboration between API and the International Lubricant Standardization and Approval Committee (ILSAC), aim to respond to evolving engine designs and emission control systems.
Key improvements include:
- Better protection against LSPI (Low-Speed Pre-Ignition) – reducing the risk of engine damage in modern turbocharged direct-injection engines.
- Enhanced timing chain wear protection – helping to maintain precise engine timing and long-term reliability.
- Superior piston and turbo deposit control – for cleaner operation and improved performance.
- Improved sludge and varnish control – preventing harmful buildup.
- Enhanced fuel economy and emission system protection – in line with current environmental and efficiency targets.
- Compatibility with ethanol-blended fuels up to E85 – an increasingly common fuel mix in global markets
Understanding the ILSAC GF-7 Standard
The International Lubricant Standardization and Approval Committee (ILSAC), , develops minimum performance standards for gasoline engine oils.
The new ILSAC GF-7 specification (including GF-7A and GF-7B) updates the previous GF-6 (GF-6A & GF-6B) standard with tougher performance requirements, particularly around LSPI, fuel economy, and emission control systems protection.
Standard
| Applicable Grades
| Key Focus
| Backward Compatibility
|
| GF-7A | 0W-20 / 5W-20 / 5W-30 / 10W-30 | LSPI protection , wear protection, deposit control, improved efficiency | Compatible with GF-6A & API SP |
| GF-7B | 0W-16 | Ultra-low viscosity, LSPI protection, optimized for fuel economy | Compatible with GF-6B & API SP |
Both GF-7 standards apply stricter limits for high-temperature performance and introduce improved High-Temperature High-Shear (HTHS) viscosity requirements, enhancing protection under extreme driving conditions.
What it means for your workshop
For workshops and garages worldwide, the introduction of API SQ and ILSAC GF-7 marks a shift towards higher precision and sustainability in engine maintenance.
By stocking and using Wolf Lubricants’ API SQ/ILSAC GF-7-certified oils, workshops can:
✅ Service the latest vehicle models with approved lubricants
✅ Deliver improved fuel economy and emissions compliance
✅ Extend engine life and reliability for their customers
✅ Simplify inventory management, as the oils listed below are backwards compatible with API SP / ILSAC GF-6
What are the new API SQ / ILSAC GF-7 engine oils?
Wolf’s expanded range offers broad market coverage for Ford, Fiat, General Motors, Chrysler, Volkswagen, and more. The engine oils in the range comply with ILSAC GF-7A, except for OFFICIALTECH 0W-16 IL, which falls under the GF-7B category.
The Wolf Lubricants API SQ/ILSAC GF-7 range includes:
The above newly introduced range, plus the existing OFFICIALTECH 0W20 LS-FE complying with both standards, and OFFICIALTECH 5W-30 C3 LL III complying only with the API SQ are the complete list of latest technologies innovations from WOLF.
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Available Now
Wolf’s expanded range is available now through the Wolf Lubricants distribution network.
To learn more about the new API SQ and ILSAC GF-7 range, or to discuss availability and packaging options, contact your local Wolf Lubricants distributor.
